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Icy roads keep tow trucks busy

Gusting winds and blowing snow made a perfect combination for icing over roads, and those slick conditions lead to dozens of accidents, some of them serious. State troopers want to remind drivers to use caution when driving in winter weather.

"Make sure you leave in plenty of time, take into account that the roads are bad, drive slower and have a lot more patience," said Trooper Jim Schmidt.

It's when drivers lose their patience that towing companies like Auto Towing Inc. in Colorado Springs get called. General manager Cara Mares says all 31 trucks on duty Friday afternoon were busy on calls helping stranded motorists. She says towing cars maybe their job but caring for people is their passion.

"A lot of our guys have been here for eight or nine years and to do this for that long, you really have to have passion for what you do and purpose, and nobody is comfortable going home until we know everyone is safe," Mares said.

Getting home safe can take longer if your accident happens in a rural area. So, Trooper Schmidt encourages every driver to keep a few basics in their car at winter time.

"Have a warm blanket, have a candle, have a book of matches, have some water and maybe some dried food incase you happen to get trapped," he said.

Remember to check for updated weather and traffic reports here before leaving for the day.